The game began with the League 2 side on top, it got better for them when a 50/50 ball ended in Delap leaving the ground in his tackle, Steve Evans, the Crawley manager, jumped up and down on the sideline and then onto the pitch. The referee showed Delap the red card to the dismay of Mr. Pulis. Stoke were almost made to pay when a corner that wasn't dealt with by Begovic and came to Crouch, all 2m of him, it hit his knee and rebounded on to his own crossbar. Then came more controversy, a ball hit into the box by Crawley was heading for Barnett when it appeared that he was blocked by Stoke defender Shawcross. A free-kick was awarded to the away side, but replays show that maybe The Red Devils were a bit unlucky not to be awarded a penalty. A penalty was awarded later in the first half, but it was given to Stoke. Shawcross got the wrong side of McFadzen and was then brought down. The debutante goalie was unable to stop the viciously struck penalty from Walters.
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| Delap's challenge earns him a red card |
The second half was less "interesting" however a great header from Crouch sealed victory for Stoke, a much needed one to, they had lost 4 in a row in all competitions before this one. They will now face the winner of the match BrightonVLiverpool.
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| Crouch celebrates with team mates after scoring Stoke's second |
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